International Trade

On Wednesday, January 15, 2020, representatives of the United States and China signed a phase one trade agreement that represents a positive step towards ending the nearly two-year-long trade war. Western Growers Board Chairman Ryan Talley of Talley Farms attended the White House signing ceremony on behalf of our membership. WG’s official press release on the event can be viewed here.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has extended the deadline to submit applications for the Market Facilitation Program (MFP) through December 20, as a result of the prolonged and extensive impacts of weather events this year.

The Hong Kong government has suspended the import and sale of Salinas-originated romaine lettuce, due to the most recent E.coli outbreak. According to the USDA-Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), the ban has been effective since November 23, 2019, and applies to any and all forms, including head and salad mixes.

On Thursday, November 21, Western Growers and nearly 15 of its specialty crop allies sent a letter to the U.S. Trade Representative, urging Ambassador Robert Lighthizer to secure the elimination of China’s retaliatory tariffs on fresh fruit, vegetables, and tree nuts. The letter was also sent to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) trade officials, as well as the Chairs and Ranking Members of the House Committees on Agriculture and Ways & Means.